Each year, the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference provides a vital platform for advancing nursing science and fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, educators, and students. As one of the oldest and most respected nursing organizations in the United States, WIN has promoted the exchange of knowledge and innovation since its founding in 1985.
This year’s conference, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, carried the theme “Health and Equity in Changing Environmental and Social Climates.” The University of Utah College of Nursing (CON) played a prominent role as a sponsor and highlighted its commitment to addressing complex health challenges through collaboration and cutting-edge research.
EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The opening keynote presentation set the stage for the impactful sessions that followed. Dean Marla De Jong, PhD, joined Ben Abbott, PhD, Associate Professor of Environmental Science & Sustainability at Brigham Young University (BYU), to present “When Water Use and Public Health Collide: The Human Health Implications of the Great Salt Lake’s Collapse.”
Their thought-provoking session underscored the interconnectedness of environmental changes and public health. It also emphasized the pivotal role nurses play in addressing these challenges.
“The presentations by Dr. Ben Abbott and Dr. Marla De Jong emphasized the challenges climate change is bringing to our communities and that nurses can and should be on the frontlines of addressing climate change. That means we need to weave environmental health through our curriculum so that our students are prepared to address these challenges,” said Linda Edelman, PhD.
SHOWCASING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATING
The CON’s influence extended throughout the conference, with over 100 faculty, staff, students, and fellows presenting their research. Topics ranged from developing the rural nursing workforce to addressing mental health disparities and incorporating sustainability into nursing curricula. Poster presentations included titles like “Increasing Referrals to Diabetic Self-Management Education Programs” and “Improvement of Methamphetamine Use Disorder Treatment in Primary Care.”
Beyond the research, WIN offers a unique opportunity for collaboration and mentorship. Scott Christensen, PhD, who received the Carol A. Lindeman Award for a New Researcher, reflected on the conference’s impact. “At the WIN conference, I met someone who was actively engaged in the same area of research as me but whose perspective on the topic differed from mine,” he said. “Meeting someone who could help balance my views and biases while potentially functioning as a future collaborator was exciting! Such connections do not occur by chance. Palpable synergy can come when Western United States nurses meet to network and share their findings.”
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN NURSING
The WIN conference also celebrated the achievements of nursing leaders. Lauri Linder, PhD, and Perry Gee, PhD, were inducted into the prestigious Western Academy of Nurses in recognition of their excellence in research, practice, and education.
For students and early-career researchers, WIN offers a gateway to professional growth.
“Attending this year’s Western Institute of Nursing conference in Salt Lake City was like rediscovering our hometown
in a new light, buzzing with the exchange of innovative ideas and rigorous science,” said Andrea Wallace, PhD. “Connecting with our nursing colleagues from academic and clinical settings throughout the West was a joy.”
COMMITTING TO THE FUTURE
As an institution, the CON recognizes the importance of nurturing future nurse scientists and leaders. Events like WIN are critical to this mission because they provide platforms to share discoveries, connect across disciplines, and inspire new directions in health care.
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